Welcome!

Make yourself comfortable under the Tulip Tree.

My name is Victoria and I am gradually creating a suburban homestead in Central Illinois.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Last week while I was gone...

Alexa did a lot! She raked out all the old mulch from the landscaped areas in preparation for the arrival of the new cedar mulch. The cedar mulch, about 6 yards (3 cu ft) fill about half a dump truck. It was the prize for winning the Journal-Star Better Earth Garden contest for 2011.

Also being delivered is 2 yards of finished compost. One can never have enough compost, truly.

Asian Lily

Also, while I was away at a conference for work, the asiatic lilies popped out near the toad houses.

Today, we planted all the annuals into the pots for the front patio. Also, planted another section of sunflowers on the north side of the house edged with hostas. There are already 3 types of sunflowers on the south side of the house also fronted with hostas. The sunflower varieties are: Lemon Queen (Seed Savers Exchange, Iowa), Valley Green ($0.10 generic seed), and Kervin's (a coworker) Giant Russian Sunflowers.

About Me

I am a scientist with the USDA Ag Lab. I am struggling with some recent health issues: arthritis as well as an ongoing lower back problem. I’m 44 years old so I find myself modifying my lifestyle. I am adopting a mostly vegetarian lifestyle. I am a locavore with the notable exception for tropical fruit (citrus & banana). I have 50 pounds of weight to lose in the next year. I am taking nutritional supplements based on an anti-inflammatory diet as well as a “body for life” regimen.
I am spiritual as I experience moments of wonder frequently in my life.